A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured ceramic material cemented onto the tooth surface. It is similar in concept to how fake nails are stuck onto your real ones. Veneers can be made from either porcelain or composite. Composite veneers look good for 5 – 7 years and over time will need to be touched up or re-polished as the composite picks up stain. Porcelain veneers tend to last longer and keep their looks a little better but can be more destructive to healthy enamel.

Why would I have a Veneer?

Veneers are generally placed on front teeth that are severely discoloured, poorly shaped, chipped or slightly crooked. They can protect a damaged or worn tooth surface as well as close gaps between teeth. Veneers can be used for a single fractured tooth or as part of the Hollywood style makeover.

If your natural teeth look fine and function well, veneers may not be the best choice because (most of the time) they involve permanent removal of some of your natural tooth structure. There are a number of alternatives to veneers that exist, such as air polishing, whitening and aligning via orthodontics (such as the Inman aligner), and these should be carefully considered and discussed with your dentist before making this decision. It is always sensible to consider more minimally invasive (less destructive) ways to improve your appearance first. They can save you time, money and most importantly, keep and protect your natural teeth.

What is involved?

Sometimes patients choose to whiten their teeth prior to the veneer treatment to achieve the best and most cosmetic results. Two visits are normally required to complete a dental veneer procedure. If you are having more than one veneer the appointments can take several hours for examination, tooth preparation and fitting. At the first visit we prepare your tooth or teeth for veneers. You may not need local anaesthetic as we aim to preserve maximum tooth structure. We then take impressions, carefully choose a colour, and fit a temporary veneer. At the second visit, the temporary veneer will be removed and replaced with the definitive one after you have confirmed you are happy with the colour, shape and fit.

Surgery Hours

If you have an urgent dental problem, please telephone the surgery 0114 268 6076 before 9.30 am Monday to Friday. We will try to accommodate you that day. Out of surgery hours - Please call NHS 111 for advice and assistance.